Sacramento State’s Combat U is revolutionizing college sports by offering a year-round, inclusive martial arts program—with academic and competitive pathways—that is drawing national interest and expanding opportunities for students in and beyond MMA.
National Coverage and Unique Partnerships
Combat U launched in partnership with UFC Hall of Famer Urijah Faber and, as of September 2025, has brought boxing legend Andre Ward on board as the General Manager of its Boxing Club. The program’s association with Ultimate Fitness, Faber’s world-class MMA gym, provides access to elite-level training and mentorship for students. These connections have enabled Combat U to offer scholarships through private donors, and its innovative approach has attracted over 500 students in its first year—some being international and first-generation college attendees.
Changing the College Sports Model
Combat U at Sacramento State is the first university-based program of its kind in the U.S. to integrate mixed martial arts, wrestling, jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai, and boxing into both a club and academic format, overseen by the university’s athletics department and leveraging community partnerships. Unlike NCAA programs, Combat U is governed by the rules of individual martial arts organizations, giving students more flexibility and direct professional pathways.
Social Impact and Global Reach
Combat U isn’t just a sports program—it’s providing educational opportunities for underserved, low-income, and international students who may otherwise not access college or high-level training. Its openness and scholarship model are designed to address the financial barriers faced by athletes like international student Kaur, whose pursuit of MMA in college was previously hindered by high tuition and lack of athletic scholarships for martial arts.
The Broader Context: Combat Sports in Colleges
Combat U’s debut coincides with a broader national trend toward martial arts in collegiate settings, including the growth of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and nontraditional combat sports on campuses. As combat sports grow in popularity among Gen Z students for their entertainment, challenge, and social value, universities are exploring club and academic offerings that enable students to pursue athletic excellence, leadership, and community building in new ways.
Forward-Thinking Innovation
Sacramento State’s leadership and partnership-driven model have inspired other universities to consider similar initiatives, particularly those near reputable fight gyms. The success of Combat U highlights how visionary university administration—and collaboration with professional athletes—can redefine what athletics means for modern students, blending high performance, access, and academic growth.
Sacramento State’s Combat U sets a new standard for collegiate combat sports, expanding the reach and meaning of college athletics and offering an accessible, high-impact pathway for diverse student populations.
